Melting Ice 6 Page 5

  “I don’t know. Can we act like old friends? I was prepared to act normally until you---”

  “Bullshit!” Quincy snapped. “You punched me in the mouth the minute you saw me, for Christ’s sake. That’s not what I’d call normal! I’ll leave first thing tomorrow. That sofa okay to sleep on?”

  “I guess. Just make sure something doesn’t jump out of it and bite you.”

  Quincy smiled faintly. “Okay. Thanks. I appreciate it. I just don’t want to get lost on these roads in the dark.”

  Tyler walked over to the stove and put the kettle on. “You want tea?”

  “You drink tea now too?” Quincy made a face.

  “Shut up. You want tea or not?”

  “Sure,” he said. “With lemon, or honey?”

  “Milk. That’s all I got.”

  “Milk it will be. What about food? Doesn’t look like you’re much of a fisherman there, Ty.”

  Tyler eyed him. “I’ll do something on the barbeque.”

  “So,” Quincy asked, once Tyler sat down with the tea, “you detectives all a bunch of old men who fish and drink tea now?”

  Quince had always been a tease. Part of his charm. It was his way of flirting. “Yeah, Quince, and we bowl after work and drive pickup trucks to the born again meetings.”

  Quincy grinned. “Okay, okay. While we have these few hours together, let’s ah…catch up. Tell me what’s going on with you?”

  Tyler shrugged. “I work homicide. Made detective. No more monkey suit. It’s a busy life.”

  “You looked hot in that monkey suit. Do you like it, homicide?”

  “It’s different. A lot of head work. It can be stressful, and frustrating.”

  “And the people you work with? Are they okay?”

  “Good people. We watch each other’s backs. We’re a family.”

  “Speaking of family, how is Nancy doing?”

  “She’s in university, science.”

  “Wow. Time flies.

  “Um. She’s a bit of a mother hen.”

  “You deserve that. You were super overprotective.”

  “I know.” He nodded. “She’s getting revenge.”

  “She live on campus?”

  “Lives with roommates. Near my place. She’s always popping in when I’m home.”

  “I’m glad. She always adored you.”

  “Yeah, we’re close. And your mom? How is she?”

  “She’s…well…never been the same since Bruce and I went away. I call once in a while. Family stuff, but…I don’t know. I’ve taken Allison under my wing. She’s great. And I volunteer at the halfway house.” “That’s good.”

  Tyler glanced at Quincy’s hand, cradled around his cup. A little while ago it was wrapped around his cock. Damn it. Why didn’t he just go for it? If it had been any other attractive guy besides Quincy, he would be in bed with him right now. But Quincy had the power to break his heart…yet again. He couldn’t let it happen.

  “What are you thinking about, Ty?” Quincy looked at him across the table.

  “Nothing.”

  “You were far away there for a while.”

  There was silence.

  “So,” Quincy said softly, “did you ever buy that little house we were looking at before I was…got arrested?”

  Tyler shook his head. How could he have bought that house? It was their dream house, the little backyard where they wanted to put the hammock, and the summer kitchen.

  “I really didn’t think I…” Quincy looked at him. “Tyler.” He reached for his hand.

  Tyler drew it back.

  “I really believed Bruce when he said he was doing nothing illegal. He lied to me. I would have never helped him. I would have never done anything that would have taken you from me.”

  Tyler met his gaze.

  Quincy’s eyes were bright with unshed tears. “I loved you so much.”

  Tyler rose from the table. “I need to start the barbeque.”

  “Tyler!” Quincy called after him.

  Tyler walked outside. He had to. He had to get away from him for a few minutes. There had always been this doubt inside him that he’d done the wrong thing. He should have stayed with Quincy, no matter what he’d done. But when you’re young and foolish and quick to temper, shit happens. God, so many regrets since that day.

  “Tyler?”

  Tyler turned to see Quincy standing there.

  “What can I do to help?”

  Tyler looked at him. It hurt to be here with Quincy, acting like a couple preparing a meal together.Damn it, swallow it, he told himself.

  * * * * * * Quincy was waiting for Tyler’s instructions. Tyler seemed lost in thought and he didn’t answer for a few minutes. Eventually, he turned and asked Quincy to chop up some things he had in the fridge to make a salad.

  Quincy quietly went about it, thinking that he was lucky Tyler hadn’t kicked him out yet. There was so much left unsaid between them. He decided it was best to drop it for now. Alone, his mind returned to Sidney Bengal. He didn’t understand why this guy would be after him and this money after all this time. Something wasn’t right. He was hoping he could talk Tyler into helping him find out but so far, Tyler was not cooperating.

  As Quincy finished the salad, he noticed an expensive bottle of wine sitting on the counter. He wondered who that was for. Billy?

  The steak was wonderful, and they ate together without talking for a while until Quincy said, “This feels familiar, doesn’t it?”

  Tyler nodded, taking another bite of salad. “Do you still make that spicy casserole?” “The one with the jalapenos?”

  “Yeah? I tried to make it a few times, but no matter

  what I do, it doesn’t taste like yours.”

  “I have the knack,” he grinned.

  “Yes,” he said softly, meeting his gaze. “You do.” Tyler’s gaze held across the table for a second, then

  he looked down at his plate. Quincy cleared his throat. “I’m sorry. What do you want to talk about?”

  “I…I don’t know. Do we have to talk at all?”

  “No.” There was a time they were so comfortable with each other, they could sit side by side for hours, engrossed in their own projects, perfectly content. Quincy couldn’t believe how hard it was now.

  They did the dishes together. Tyler washed, he dried and every once in a while, Tyler’s shoulder brushed his. Quincy felt every contact as if it was a caress and by the time the dishes were done, his cock was hard as rock.

  “I need to go for a walk,” Quincy declared.

  “Go ahead, but be careful. There can be animals around.”

  Quincy looked back at Tyler. “Thanks.”

  “For?”

  “For caring.”

  “Well, I don’t want to have to scoop up your remains with a shovel,” Tyler muttered.

  “Gee, thanks,” Quincy laughed out loud. “Funny!”

  He felt better breathing in the fresh mountain air. He walked a little, listening for any sounds. Tyler’s comment about animals hadn’t thrilled him.

  Minutes later, he returned to find Tyler sitting on the porch.

  “It’s beautiful here,” Quincy said. “I can understand the appeal.”

  “Yep, it has quite a history,” Tyler commented.

  Quincy sat beside him. “What kind of a history?”

  “Well, it’s used by law enforcement, you know… witness protection and stuff.”

  “Oh.”

  “And I heard once that there was some…romance going on. It’s just stories.”

  Quincy lifted an eyebrow. “Like cops and robbers?”

  “So to speak,” Tyler grinned.

  “That’s…interesting. Wouldn’t we qualify?” Quincy inquired.

  Tyler glanced at him. “Don’t get any ideas. I didn’t tell you for that reason. I was just making conversation. It’s probably not even true.”

  “So, tell me about one of these stories.”

  “It’s not very interestin
g.”

  “Got something better to do?”

  Tyler laughed. “No.”

  “So?”

  “Well…I heard there was an F.B.I. agent once, pretty straightlaced. He had a witness up here, a guy who’d been a notorious biker…wanted to turn over a new leaf, testify against these bad guys. People say they spent their time…well…you know…fucking.”

  Quincy grinned. “Pretty unethical, isn’t it?” “I thought you were a romantic?”

  Quincy’s hand inched towards Tyler’s. “I am.” Tyler gave it a swat. “A romantic, or a sleaze?”

  “Depends on how you look at it, I suppose. So, am I really going to sleep on that hard sofa, or can we share?”

  Tyler got to his feet. “You can sleep on the floor if you like.”

  “I forgot how irritating your dry wit can be.” Quincy followed him inside.

  “Some people find that attractive.”

  Quincy closed the door. “They’re blinded by your good looks.”

  Tyler shook his head. “Feeble attempt at a compliment, or was that a come on?”

  “Will it get me anywhere?”

  “No.”

  “Okay,” Quincy sighed. “This television work?”

  “Yeah.”

  They sat side by side for a while, watching an old movie on television. Tyler had put on an old pair of sweatpants and started a fire in the fire place.

  In spite of the baggy pants, Quincy couldn’t keep his gaze off of Tyler’s crotch. He kept thinking about holding his cock earlier, and all the things he’d like to do with it now.

  Tyler looked at Quincy at one time and said. “Quince, stop looking at my cock.”

  “I’m not…well…can’t see it with those pants on. Tyler,” Quincy said, his hand moving to Tyler’s thigh, “just for old time’s sake. We’re all alone here. You don’t need to sleep alone.”

  Tyler pushed his hand away.

  “At least let me look at it?”

  “No,” Tyler shook his head.

  “You’re heartless.”

  “I’m trying to watch the movie.”

  “The movie is over, that’s the news.”

  “Whatever.”

  “Pull them down, I’ll jerk you off or suck you or… we don’t have to fuck, Tyler.” He was pleading. Damn it.

  “I’m going to bed.” Tyler got up. “The blankets and pillow is in the cupboard over there. I assume you’ll want to get an early start tomorrow. Goodnight, Quincy.”

  Quincy laid his head back, stifling a groan. It was going to be a long night.

  Chapter Four

  Tyler tossed and turned most of the night, knowing that Quincy was lying out there on the sofa, ready, willing and he knew…very able.

  He spent half the night with images of them naked together, touching each other everywhere. Um. Fucking. His hand on his cock didn’t help much, nor did the sound of Quincy grunting and moaning as he tried to get comfortable on that old sofa.

  He got up and paced the small room, wiping the sweat off his chest. He was helpless against Quincy. If Quincy came into the room now and touched him, he’d surrender. He lay down again and fantasized about Quincy coming in, tying him down and taking what he wanted. That would be okay. He could live with that. Tell himself he had no choice.

  That fantasy didn’t help at all. When he got out of bed in the morning, he felt like he’d never been to sleep.

  Quincy was standing at the counter, drinking a cup of instant coffee. He looked pretty tired himself.

  “Don’t look like you slept much,” Quincy commented.

  “Well,” Tyler snapped, “you don’t look so goddamned rested yourself.”

  Quincy put down the cup. “Well, I guess on that note, I might as well get going. Nothing to keep me here.” He met Tyler’s gaze.

  “Well,” Tyler muttered, “take care.” He walked over and extended his hand. He knew it was ridiculous when he did it.

  Quincy rolled his eyes. “Really? You’re kidding, right?”

  “What? You want to kiss me goodbye?” He lowered his hand.

  Quincy stepped forward. “Yes, damn it. I want to kiss you good bye.” Quincy pulled him close before Tyler could react and smothered his mouth with his.

  At first Tyler tried not to be affected, telling himself it would be over soon. He didn’t have to open his mouth but…the kiss went on, and damn it, Quincy’s tongue would not be denied. It demanded entrance, inviting Tyler to move his own tongue around Quincy’s in greeting. Oh yeah, it was good, it was damn good, and Tyler’s mouth opened to his in invitation.

  They clung to each other as the kiss went on. Then Quincy pulled back and lowered his head onto Tyler’s shoulder. For some time, there was silence except for their laboured breathing as they both attempted recovery. Tyler swallowed, but he didn’t move away.

  After a few minutes, Quincy said softly, “Ty, how am I supposed to live without you? Help me.”

  Tyler gave Quincy a hard push away. “Go. Go on, Quincy. Leave.” He turned his back, trying not to break down. Please, please just walk away. Don’t say anymore. Please.

  Seconds later Tyler heard footsteps, then the door opened and closed. The sound of that door closing echoed in his heart, mocking him, and for a moment, his heart felt completely crushed.

  A few minutes later, just when Tyler began to breathe easier, he heard Quincy call out to him. “Tyler! You better come out here and see this.”

  Tyler walked outside. He saw Quincy standing beside his car. “What is it?”

  “Look,” Quincy pointed to his own car. “My tires. They’re all flat, and so are yours.”

  Tyler hurried over and examined the tires. “What the fuck?” A shot rang out over their heads. He made a lunge for Quincy.

  “Shit!” He grabbed Quincy’s arm and pulled him to the ground, throwing his body on top. “Where the fuck did that come from?”

  “I…I don’t know,” Quincy muttered.

  “Jesus, Quincy. Damn it! You werefollowed!”

  * * * * * * It took a few minutes to sink in that someone had actually shot at them. One minute Quincy was lying on the ground with Tyler on top of him and the next moment, Tyler was hustling him inside the cabin and pushing a rifle into his hand. “Stay here,” Tyler ordered, loading his pistol.

  Quincy looked helplessly at the shot gun in his hand. “I…what am I supposed to…I don’t anything about guns.”

  Tyler turned the gun around in Quincy’s hand pointing the barrel away from him and toward the door. “If someone comes is, just aim and pull the trigger.”

  Quincy reached out and grabbed Tyler’s arm. “Where…where are you going?”

  “I’m going outside. Stay away from the windows!” “No, don’t go out there.” Quincy shook his head,

  holding on.

  Tyler pulled his arm away. “Just stay here.” Quincy sat there on the sofa shaking, the rifle in his

  hand resting on his knee. He listened for every little sound. What if something happened to Tyler? He’d never forgive himself. He should have never come here. He’d put Tyler in danger.

  He tightened his hold on the rifle, his heart hammering against his ribs. He was bracing himself for a shot to ring out. “Please Tyler, be all right.” Tyler, I love you so much. Come back.

  It was almost ten minutes later when he heard Tyler call out. “Quincy! Put the gun down. Don’t shoot.”

  Quincy put the rifle aside and stood up. When the door opened, he went to throw his arms around Tyler, then noticed that Tyler’s hands were up above his head. He wasn’t alone. Sidney Bengal was behind him with what looked like some kind of commando machine gun. Shit.

  Sidney Bengal gave Tyler a decided push across the floor. “Over there, lover boy.”

  He looked at Quincy and smiled. “Nice to see you again, Mr. Ulverton.”

  Tyler backed up against the counter beside Quincy.

  “Look,” Quincy said. “If you want me, take me. Leave Tyler alone. He’s not involv
ed in any of this.”

  “Should have thought of that before you came up here, lover boy,” Bengal replied. “And here I thought it was over between you two.”

  Tyler glanced at Quincy with wide eyes.

  “How do you know…about…that?” Quincy demanded.

  “Your brother and I got really friendly in the joint. He told me about your cop lover here. Said he was a pig, got real disappointed when his boyfriend had to do time. Guess you didn’t buy your fancy house after all. What a shame!”

  Tyler was silent, but Quincy knew he was steaming.

  “Change of heart, Mr. Hero, gets his name in the news?” Sidney nudged him with the gun.

  “Fuck yourself!” Tyler replied.

  “Ooh, okay,” he laughed. “Tough guy.” He glanced at Quincy. “Must be hot in bed with a temper like that.”

  “Listen,” Quincy took a step toward Sidney, “tell me what you want.”

  Sidney raised the gun. “Stay still.”

  Tyler placed a hand on Quincy’s arm, cautioning him.

  “I don’t know anything about any money,” Quincy told him. “And why would you look for it now, after all these years?”

  “Don’t know except your brother said he hid it where they’d never find it. And guess they haven’t. It must be very important to some people.”

  “Who?” Quincy demanded. “What people?”

  “Just people. They need to see you. I made a deal. I told them I’d take care of Bruce then I’d bring you to them when I got out… for a fee, of course.” He smiled.

  “But I don’t know where the money is.” Quincy shook his head.

  Sidney grinned, “It doesn’t matter. I don’t give a shit if they ever find it. As far as everyone is concerned, Bruce told you where he buried the money.”

  “What do you mean…as far as everyone’s concerned?” Tyler asked.

  Sidney shrugged. “They were willing to pay me a bundle just to hold onto you until they arrived. This coming out here, well, it’s perfect. Thanks, guy.”

  Tyler glanced at Quincy. There was a murderous look in his eyes.

  “So,” Sidney said, “take off your clothes.”

  The door opened. A skinny blonde with tight jeans and a low cut sweater walked in. Sidney grabbed her around the waist and kissed her on the cheek. “This here is my honey. You do what I tell you, Cher?”